Governors

The Ofsted framework provides for short inspection of schools like Cranmere which were judged good on their previous inspection. This inspection team will make graded judgements on the following areas:

1/ Effectiveness of leadership and management

2/ Quality of teaching, learning and assessment

3/ Personal development, behaviour and welfare

4/ Outcomes for children and learners

The governing body works together within a strategic framework called the school development plan to systematically monitor progress towards improvement. Governors ensure that they are well informed and knowledgeable on budget, educational and welfare issues. They take and support hard decisions in the interests of pupils, take steps to facilitate honest and insightful self evaluation and ask challenging questions focused on improvements. Governors are not expected or required to be involved in the day to day management of the school. That is the responsibility of the head teacher. The governing body however does work in partnership with the head teacher and senior leadership team to ensure the best possible outcomes for all of our pupils.

Governors are part of a team and, unless delegated to do so, do not act autonomously. Confidentiality is of paramount importance and governors act in a safe and professional manner during all the school- associated activities, such as meetings, visiting the school, accompanying school trips or organising events.

What we do

The full governing body meets once a term and is fully minuted by a dedicated clerk to the governors. The agenda for a full governing body meeting will include review of the school development plan with particular regard to pupil progress, a head teacher's report, a short training session provided by an invited member of staff and reports from the chairs or our committees.

At Cranmere we have four committees which have authority to propose polices for approval or actions to the full governing body. The committees meet between once and twice per term. Currently our committees are:

Finance and Personnel. This committee rigorously sets and examines the budget with the Bursar and head teacher and takes it to the full governing body for approval. It also reviews staffing and training needs. During the current year we have been looking at the implications of new building work and the budget set by SCC.

Learning and Achievement. This committee is focused on pupil progress and the curriculum. Attendance and punctuality are reviewed at these meetings. The governing body places emphasis on the importance of regular and punctual school attendance. This is an area regularly monitored by Ofsted. We have had presentations by teaching staff on MFL, P.E, maths and ICT.

Buildings and Premises. This committee is concerned with the fabric of the school and all health and safety issues. The bursar is in attendance as the schools Health and Safety officer. Regular safety inspections and fire drills are performed and monitored by this committee.

Strategy. This committee welcomes the involvement of all governors and provides a forum to examine developments affecting the future of the school At the moment we are very involved in the proposed building of a new school for Cranmere pupils and are committed in joining the head teacher to ensure that the present ethos of the school is strengthened and continues with the introduction of a larger intake of pupils.

Attendance by Governors

All our governors are expected to visit the school with a specific focus on a curriculum area or an aspect of welfare such as the well being of pupils and enjoyment of school. These visits are structured and made in partnership with the head teacher.

Governing Body

Parent governors

Mr Richard Hayler (Vice Chair & Chair of Learning & Achievement)

Mr Keef Sloan (Chair of Finance & Personnel)

Mrs Hanja Dorfling

One local authority governor

Mr Stuart Selleck (Chair of Buildings & Premises)

Headteacher

Mrs Katherine Daniels

Six co-opted governors

Mrs Isla Billett

Mrs Linda Burkitt

Revd Phillip Johnson (Chair)

Mrs Joanna Willey

Mrs Sarah Mulder

One staff governor

Mrs Colleen Knowles-Barker

Clerk

Mrs Elaine Sesemann

The term of office for all types of governors is four years with the exception of the Headteacher who is a governor while in post.

The governors can be contacted via the Clerk to the Governors Mrs Elaine Sesemann. Contact should be made through the school office.